How to Introduce a Kitten to a Cat

Introducing cats and kittens is a tricky process even for the most experienced of cat owners. Cats are very slow to warm up to others, so any prep you can do beforehand will help greatly. Here are three steps to carry out before your kitten arrives.

If you can get a hold of items that belong to the kitten, such as a blanket or a toy, then it may help your cat get used to the new scent ahead of your kitten’s arrival.

Create a separate, private area to be used only by your new kitten, with their own litter box, food bowl, water bowl, scratching post and sleep area. This will help your kitten acclimate to the new environment without overwhelming your resident cat. You can encourage your cats to share a litter tray later down the line, but for now, everything must be separated.

Your resident cat should also have their own quiet space that can’t be accessed by your kitten. Without this, you’re setting yourself up to fail. Having their own areas will minimise stress and allow both cats to feel safe.

The initial meeting must be controlled and gradual. Before they are allowed to meet face-to-face, it is crucial you have both cats get used to each other firstly via scent and secondly, visually with barriers. Only once both cats aren’t reacting negatively to these interactions do you move on to a face-to-face meeting.

Start by allowing the cats to sniff each other from either side of a closed door without direct contact.

Once they have gotten used to each other’s smell, you can set up a visual interaction. You will need a physical barrier which will depend on your environment, such as patio or screen doors. This will allow the cats to see each other without being able to get at each other. Or you could use a baby gate as the barrier. Just make sure that your cat isn’t small enough to slip through the bars. Avoid forcing your cats to approach each other by picking them up. Let them get closer in their own time. Keep these interactions short and try to end them positively, for instance, with a tasty treat.

Gradually increase the time they spend seeing each other through the barrier. Don’t be disheartened if you see aggression, this is to be expected at first. Make sure you are there to mediate and have regular breaks, ensuring that both cats can retreat to their safe spots if they wish to. Keep it slow and steady, and you should eventually see a gradual reduction in threatened behaviour.

After plenty of barrier introductions, it’s time to prepare for a face-to-face meeting. Follow the below for a smooth transition.

Begin by allowing both cats to be in a room together on opposite sides. Make sure the door is open should one of them wish to escape. Interact with them and let them come towards each other at their own pace. Use positive reinforcement and treats (following your pets’ daily allowance!) to create positive association.

If things don’t go well and one or both cats start displaying signs of aggression such as hissing, growling or swatting, remove them from each other and go back a few steps by keeping them separate for longer and swapping scents. Then once you think they are in a good place, try again. Keep these interactions short.

It’s important not to rush these stages. Once you feel both cats are comfortable with each other, you can start to increase the duration of these meetings, keeping watch of their interactions all the while.

Even when the initial introductions are over, you’ll still need to monitor your cats and their interactions over the upcoming months to ensure they are happily getting along.

If both cats seem comfortable with each other, you can open up the rest of the house to them. It will take some cats longer than others to reach this stage. You as their cat owner can determinate this. Make sure both cats still have access to their separate private areas. If possible, for outdoor cats, provide two separate entry and exit points to your house to that they don’t need to pass each other to get in and out. This will only apply to your kitten when they are older.

​​Provide each cat separate food and water bowls as well as litter trays to prevent competition and stress. Your kitten should only be eating food formulated for kittens, so this will also limit any opportunity for them to sneak a bite out of your resident adult cat’s bowl.

​​Keep an eye out for any signs of stress, such as hiding, excessive grooming or a change in eating habits. If you notice one or have concerns, always consult your vet.

Maintaining the peace and building a harmonious relationship between your cats takes time and patience. By following the below guidance, you’ll be giving your feline friends the best chance at long-term harmony. It may help to also consider using plug ins specifically designed for cat relationships to help create a relaxed environment.

Continue using positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats and toys, to encourage good behaviour and positive associations between the cats.

It’s important not to rush things. Respect each cat’s boundaries and let them interact at their own pace.

Engage both cats in regular play sessions to build a bond and reduce any potential tension.

There’s no way of knowing how long it will take for your kitten and cat to get used to one another. But with careful planning, patience, observation and the above guidance, you should be able to get to a place where both cats can live together peacefully and happily.

The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.

Published on 28/04/2025